The contract standoff between the Cincinnati Bengals and first-round pick Shemar Stewart has quickly become one of the most talked-about stories of the NFL offseason. As negotiations drag on, the situation has drawn national scrutiny and sparked debate among analysts and fans alike.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero broke down the issues causing the contract stalemate between the Bengals and Stewart. He called the Bengals’ approach a “double standard” that Stewart refused to accept, leading to him missing all mandatory minicamp. Stewart has participated in meetings but has yet to do any on-field work with his new team.
NFL Insider Gives Inside Look at the Shemar Stewart Contract Standoff with Cincinnati Bengals
Pelissero broke down the nuanced contract details that have caused the dispute between the Bengals and their prized draft pick during an appearance on the “Rich Eisen Show.” The dispute stems from language in the contract relating to injury guarantees and other protections.
Pelissero explained that teams usually sign a participation agreement before the official contract is signed, which protects the rookies in practice. However, Stewart refused to sign it.
“Shemar Stewart didn’t want to sign the participation agreement that the Bengals had because the way that theirs is worded, because every team has different language, it did not provide the same level of protection as teams give, other teams give their rookies,” said Pelissero.
Is there any update to the contract standoff between Shemar Stewart and the Bengals?#NFL #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/emOe4gx1mx
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) June 27, 2025
Pelissero also revealed that the Bengals’ second-round pick, Demetrius Knight II, also missed practice because of the same issue. Knight ultimately decided to sign the participation agreement and has since been practicing with the team.
The participation agreement is just the first part of the contract dispute between Stewart and the team. It also impacts the main contract, with the team using Stewart as an example to implement new language that would void future guarantees. Stewart’s agent, Zac Hiller, recently appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio to explain his client’s perspective. Hiller took issue with the Bengals for unilaterally forcing a new precedent.
“Contracts are based on precedent,” Hiller stated. “Shemar has never asked for anything more or less protective than any of his teammates.”
Stewart’s Contract Issues Add to Bengals’ Defensive Line Woes
The Bengals’ tough stance on Stewart won’t help new defensive coordinator Al Golden and head coach Zac Taylor. The defensive unit was the weak point in the Bengals’ campaign last season, and it ultimately cost them a playoff spot despite historic seasons from quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Pass rusher Trey Hendrickson also had the league’s best sack numbers, but the defense gave up the eighth-most points in the league. Hendrickson is also unhappy with his contract and is seeking an extension. Stewart’s contract dispute, combined with the Bengals’ struggles to negotiate with him and Hendrickson, two key defensive players, reflects poorly on the front office.
The true turning point will arrive when the Bengals report for training camp on July 23. If no agreement is reached by then, Stewart’s absence could escalate tensions and put even more pressure on both sides to find a resolution.